Police have issued warnings that heating oil tanks may be targeted as the conflict in the Middle East continue to have a knock-on effect on the demand for fuel.
Fuel thefts have been reported in England and Northern Ireland recently.
The following security measures can help deter thieves:
Fuel theft – how to prevent it happening
There are a range of ways you can help increase the security of your tank.
Create physical barriers
Consider a cage for your fuel tank; this will provide an extra layer for thieves to break through. Fencing and defensive shrub planting will also help obscure your tank from the line of sight and will also prove another obstacle for uninvited guests. Where possible, store the tank where you can monitor it.
Think about who can see it
Place tanks away from rights or way and other easily accessible areas. Use security lights in conjunction with motion sensors and install cameras.
Install audio deterrents
These include gravel or other surfaces with audible qualities. Alarms that work on the principle of movement of liquid inside the tank (drop alarms), filing cap alarms and movement sensor alarms in and around the tank site will help alert you to activity around your tank.
Leaky tanks
Sometimes a leaky tank may give the impression that a tank has been targeted. Leaky tanks can be hazardous to the environment. Attempts to steal fuel may cause damage to a tank's structural integrity and allow hazardous substances into the wider environment.
Vehicles and machinery
Thieves have been known to steal fuel from inside farm vehicles and machinery. Lock up tractors and powered machinery at night. Where possible, keep them out of the view of the public and consider using locking caps.
NFU action – working with the police
We know that fuel theft is an issue that members may face and would like to see greater support to enable police forces to tackle it. Equally, police cohesion and engagement with other forces would be an important step forward and we would like to see more tactics and knowledge transfer.
